If you are unable to visit the Library due to health or transportation issues, you may receive library materials by mail. This free service is available to Bedford Public Library cardholders. The following FAQ provides more information about this service. If you have additional questions, please contact the Reference Desk at (603) 472-2300 or email reference@bedfordnh.org.
To apply for Library by Mail, please call the Reference Desk to request an application form. If you would prefer, you may fill out an online form and submit it via email. Click here to download a form, then fill it out, save it, and send it as an attachment to reference@bedfordnh.org (when you download the form, you will be able to sign digitally).
What materials will you send?
Currently, we are able to send regular print and large print books, audiobooks (on CD or Playaway), DVDs, and music CDs.
How will you know what materials I want?
We will choose items based on the preferences you provide us with when you fill out the Library by Mail application. In addition, you can request specific items in one of three ways:
- Enclose a note in the cloth bag when you return your materials
- Call (603) 472-2300
- Email reference@bedfordnh.org
How often will I receive items?
You can expect to receive your first delivery approximately one week after your application is approved. When we receive your returned materials in the mail, we will send out new materials to you. We cannot send additional materials until you return the ones you borrowed. The turn-around time is about 4-7 days.
How many items will I receive at a time?
You will receive 2 items at a time.
How long can I keep the items?
When we check out your items, we give them a due date that is 4 weeks later. Please mail the items back to the Library at least 2 days before the due date. If you are ready to return them before that, mail them back to us and we will send you more as soon as we receive your returned items.
How do I return the items?
- Put them back in the green cloth bag they came in.
- Pull the address card out of the clear sleeve, turn it over so the library's address is showing, and insert it back in the sleeve. You do not need to add postage.
- Zip the bag and leave it out for your mail carrier to pick up.
The amount of postage printed on the return label is exactly the same as the amount of postage that was required to deliver them to you. Please don't put any additional library materials in the bag when you return it.
Will I be fined for overdue items?
No, but we still ask you to either put them in the mail at least 2 days before the due date, or renew them if you want to keep them longer. There are three ways to renew items:
- Call (603) 472-2300
- Email reference@bedfordnh.org
- Sign in to your library account at www.bedfordnhlibrary.org
You will be charged for lost or damaged items, but you will not be charged for items lost or damaged in the mail.
Do I have to pay postage?
No. The Library pays both the outgoing and return postage. Your package will arrive with a mailing card that has return postage fixed to the back of it.
Can I still check out items in person at the Library?
Absolutely! You can still use your library card to check out at the Library as usual. However, keep in mind that items checked out in person will have the standard one- or two- week check out period and may not be returned in your Library by Mail bag.